FOLLOWING an unofficial strike in July 1993 the Liverpool branch of UNISON has been prevented by the General Secretary and the NEC from holding its annual general meeting.
Without branch meetings or AGMs, the branch has been unable to defend its 6000 members in the face of a massive £35m cuts package by Liverpool council, or allow them a voice in the running of the union. Even though nine of the most senior officers of the branch have now resigned, no meeting to replace them can be convened.
The strike, in the Fairfield Day Centre, was against racism. But the four stewards involved were subsequently accused by branch secretary Judy Cotton of sexism and intimidation, and were charged accordingly.
National officers are trying to proceed with disciplinary hearings against the four stewards.
After walking out of the first hearing because the union was refusing to disclose the evidence against them, the stewards won a High Court injunction against continuing the hearing, on the grounds of breaches of natural justice and of the union's own rules!
Whether UNISON will challenge the injunction, or drop
UNISON
HANDS OFF our hoepital. must stay! the disciplinary action is still unclear.
• More details from Unity in Liverpool, c/o UNISON Office, Foster House, Canning Place, Liverpool L1. 051-225-4552.